Flowers and cards left at scene for Swindon crash victim

FLORAL tributes have been laid at the scene where father-of-two Paul Winters was killed in a car crash at the weekend.

The 33-year-old died after being thrown from the red Nissan he was travelling in after it was struck by a blue Astra on Thamesdown Drive in the early hours of Sunday.

A 61-year-old, believed to Paul’s father, was driving and remains in intensive care at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

Several bouquets of flowers with cards have been tied to the railings on the turning into the Orbital Centre where the incident happened.

One of the messages read: “The world has lost a truly wonderful, decent, caring family man.

“A huge loss to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you. May Carol, Amy, Steve, Sara and Simon find comfort in the fact your traits and smile will live on in both Joseph and Maggie. Sleep tight with the Angels.”

Another said: “May you rest in peace up with the angels and your spirit live on in your children.”

The collision occurred when the Nissan turned to go into the Orbital when it was hit by the Astra, spinning 360 degrees and leaving the Astra 500 yards away.

Two occupants of the Astra then fled the scene but were arrested at a nearby address a short time later.

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A 23-year-old from Swindon has been bailed while a 26-year-old man from Bristol has been released without charge.

Although the exact cause of Sunday’s incident is not known, dangerous driving on Thamesdown Drive has been a concern for North Swindon residents.

Police have been working to combat the problem and last week several days of action were carried out in response to these worries.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “Members of the public have shared their safety concerns regarding Thamesdown Drive with the local NPT and these have been listened to and acted upon.

“Last week, two days of action were held which specifically targeted speeding drivers and those who drive through red lights on Thamesdown Drive. As a result, more than 30 police cautions were issued to drivers.”

Several witnesses have come forward with information about the collision but police are asking anyone else who may have any information, including the movements of the two cars involved, to contact them.

Sergeant Barrie Card, of the Wiltshire Police serious collision investigation team, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of the victims, and the family liaison officer has been appointed to help them through this difficult time.

“The investigation is ongoing but we are not looking for anyone else involved in the incident at this time.

“We would still like to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the collision or either of the two cars involved prior to the collision.”